Waking up on a frosty morning to find an icy windshield is one of winter’s less charming surprises. And if those winter months are going to drag on, knowing how to safely remove ice is important. While it’s tempting to grab the nearest tool, brute force is the wrong method that can lead to a costly repair to the glass or windshield wipers. A little ingenuity and skill will have that layer of ice off in no time.
First: Do This, Not This
What to Do:
- Start with your car: Turn it on and activate the defrost setting. This will warm the windshield from the inside, making ice removal much easier.
- Clear what you can: Even a bit of snow is going to insulate the sheet of ice underneath. Brush off any light snow with a soft-bristled brush.
- Check the wipers: If you can, lift the wiper blades off the glass before the snowfall to keep them from sticking at all. If they are stuck to the glass, leave them alone until they can be safely detached. Check the rear windshield as well.
- Use the right tools: A plastic ice scraper or a soft-bristle brush designed for vehicles works best. You can get one at any hardware store.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t pour hot or warm water: Sudden temperature changes can crack the cold windshield glass due to thermal shock. It's actually a good idea to avoid adding excess water at all but if you have to, always stick to room temperature or cold water for de-icing.
- Avoid metal scrapers: These can scratch or chip your windshield.
- Don’t use your wipers prematurely: Trying to move frozen wiper or pushing them against thick ice can damage the wiper arms or motor.
- Resist rushing: Taking shortcuts might save you time now, but it could lead to expensive repairs later.
DIY Ice Removal Methods
1. Use a De-Icer Spray
- Commercial sprays like alcohol-based deicing solutions create a chemical reaction that works quickly to melt ice on contact.
- For a homemade de-icer solution, mix 3 cups of vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Generously spray the white vinegar solution over the windshield ice and let it sit for a minute before you try scraping.
2. Use a Plastic Ice Scraper
- Replace dull blades each year
- Start at the edges of the ice, working inward. Always work gently, holding the plastic scraper at a slight angle.
3. Keep Your Windshield Washer Reservoir Full
This regular maintenance task will save you from a headache when the frost layer arrives. It'll keep your windshield clean and paired with heavy-duty winter wipers, your view will be ice free.
4. Get Creative with Plastic Scrapers
- If you don’t have a scraper handy, a silicone spatula from your kitchen can work in a pinch without scratching the glass.
- While it should be a last resort, in a pinch, a credit card (or library card or store membership card) can do a pretty good job of chipping away at a light frost
5. Defrost and Wait
The fact is that the best way to clear an iced-over windshield is to crank up the temperature gauge and let your car’s defrost function do it's thing for 5–10 minutes. While you wait, clear the dusting of snow from other parts of the car with a brush with bristles. WIth a heated windshield, the coating of ice will slide right off.
FAQ
Why shouldn’t I use hot water on my windshield?
No matter the ice thickness, pouring hot water on a frozen windshield can create a sudden temperature and the glass could crack. Some tips suggest using room-temperature or lukewarm water to avoid this risk, but in very cold temperatures adding any water will just freeze and compound your problem. Adding white vinegar or using a diluted alcohol solution will prevent a homemade deicing solution from freezing.
What’s the best way to keep my windshield from icing over?
Prevention is key! If you can't store your vehicle under a covered carport, use a magnetic windshield cover overnight, or try a DIY solution with household items like placing an old towel or rubber mat over the glass. This is good for a light dusting but too much snow will make removing the cover difficult. There are pretreatment sprays on the market but they can be expensive. A quick fix is spraying the windshield with a homemade solution of three parts vinegar to one part water before frost forms.
Is vinegar going to damage my window or paint job?
A diluted vinegar solution is generally safe for your windshield, but it can cause potential damage if used excessively or in high concentrations. The acidity of vinegar may cause the protective layer of clear coat on your car to degrade over time. Just like preventing road salt damage, it's a good idea to take your car through the car wash to rinse off any excessive wintertime deicer sprays and corrosive chemicals.
